MSU serves as a liaison to the organizations and individuals in the areas, including regional councils of government, metropolitan planning organizations, local planning officials and real estate developers.

Recent research across the United States has shown that the most walkable urban areas appear to have wealthier and better-educated populations. These environments also show strong real estate demand. The goal of the study is to determine whether these trends are also apparent in Michigan metropolitan areas. It’s the first time the major Michigan cities have been analyzed in this way.

“Across the nation, we are seeing a shift in demand from drivable suburban to walkable urban lifestyles,” said Mary Beth Graebert, associate director of the Land Policy Institute. “Even in Michigan, where automobiles have driven our development for decades, we’re witnessing this trend in certain areas.

“Responding to this trend will require a host of public and private sector leaders to change how we finance, design and build real estate to enhance walkability in our downtowns.”

Graebert is participating in the study along with four others from MSU, including Lauren Bretz, a student and research assistant for the Land Policy Institute.

The findings of the WalkUP study will be released June 23 at the 2015 LOCUS Michigan Leadership Summit at the One Woodward Building in Detroit. The full report of the Michigan WalkUP project will be available at the Land Policy Institute website following the June event.